SATMAR nanosatellite to debut in June advancing digital maritime connectivity
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Could 28, 2025
The maritime business’s digital evolution will achieve momentum on June 21 with the scheduled launch of SATMAR, a 6U nanosatellite engineered totally by Alen Area. The satellite tv for pc will raise off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket throughout the Transporter-14 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Area Power Base in California.
Developed in collaboration with Egatel and backed by Spain’s Ports 4.0 innovation program, SATMAR is designed to validate the VHF Knowledge Alternate System (VDES), a next-generation maritime communication customary set to supersede the present Computerized Identification System (AIS). Ports 4.0 is led by Puertos del Estado and the Spanish Port Authorities to drive disruptive innovation inside port infrastructure.
SATMAR will function an orbital platform to check real-world functions of VDES over Spanish territorial waters. The satellite tv for pc will assess bidirectional information switch within the VHF band, aiming to cut back communication saturation and improve the effectivity, safety, and environmental sustainability of world maritime operations.
Use case testing will likely be carried out in partnership with the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras and corporations equivalent to Oritia and Boreas. SATMAR will assist functionalities together with VDES sign transmission, long-range coastal connectivity, encrypted messaging, maritime security alerts, and correct vessel arrival predictions.
“It is a pioneering mission with world implications,” acknowledged Guillermo Lamelas, CEO of Alen Area. “The VDES customary is poised to redefine maritime communications, bringing forth digital transformation, new providers, and significant security enhancements for vessels and ports.”
Past its major VDES mission, SATMAR additionally hosts a secondary payload for spectrum evaluation, positioning the satellite tv for pc as an orbiting Software program Outlined Radio (SDR) take a look at lab. It is going to experiment with high-speed S-band communications and monitor RF interference throughout VHF, L, and S bands. Payloads have been designed with in-orbit reconfigurability to regulate testing because the mission evolves.
The satellite tv for pc builds on the muse of the SHIPMATE mission, beforehand developed by Alen Area and Egatel with Gradiant, reinforcing a sustained dedication to advancing space-based maritime digitalization.
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